SCIENTOLOGYIts True Nature

VIII. The Church of Scientology

The Scientology church is a religious denomination with a hierachical organization and management. On the lowest level of hierachy are the field auditors and the Dianetics groups led by these. The next level comprises the Scientology missions which deliver basic Dianetics and Scientology services. These are a kind of missionary station which aim at reaching for new members. When a mission grows and its activity expands, it will usually become a Scientology church. The ministers of the Church of Scientology serve the congregational members in marital, familial and other problems, and perform the religious rituals of Scientology, such as naming, wedding and funeral rituals. They also conduct Sunday services.

Saint Hill organizations are central churches, which specialize in higher level auditor training. Such central churches exist in Los Angeles, Sydney, East Grinstead in England and Copenhagen. The spiritual headquarters of all the world’s Scientologists is the Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida, which delivers the highest religious services. The Flag Ship Service Organisation delivers the highest auditing of all (OT VIII). Its training takes place on the Freewinds ship in the Caribbean Sea.

The function of Mother Church is held by Church of Scientology International in Los Angeles, which plans world-wide mission campaigns, compiles training materials, and translates Hubbard’s religious works to many languages.